Thousands of truck drivers delivering fireworks for July 4th celebrations will experience some relief from federal working-hour rules, thanks to an exemption granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The exemption, effective from June 28 through July 8 each year until 2029, applies to approximately 44 private carriers and around 3,000 drivers. This temporary measure allows these drivers to bypass specific hours-of-service (HOS) limits and electronic logging device (ELD) requirements during the holiday period.

Under current regulations, drivers are prohibited from driving beyond the 14th hour following 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and they are required to track their time using ELDs. However, the exemption permits drivers to exclude off-duty and sleeper berth time from the calculation of the 14-hour driving limit. Additionally, they can use paper logs instead of ELDs to record their work hours.

This updated relief renews waivers that expired last year. FMCSA justified the exemption by stating, “The exemptions … will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved in the absence of the exemptions.”

Julie Heckman, Executive Director of the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), supported the exemption, emphasizing its importance to Independence Day celebrations. “Without these exemptions, America’s traditional celebrations of Independence Day would be at risk, as there are no practical alternatives available for compliance,” Heckman stated in a request made on behalf of the APA’s members.

“The HOS requirements on small businesses should be modified for this limited time each year to permit this small number of fireworks carriers to conduct Independence Day fireworks displays while maintaining an equivalent level of safety on our highways and in our communities,” Heckman added. She pointed out that APA members have operated under similar exemptions for the past 20 years without incidents, injuries, or fatalities, demonstrating that safety will not be compromised.

Addressing Concerns About Safety Risks

While the exemption has been praised by many, it has also faced criticism. An anonymous public comment argued that the exemption could increase the risk of accidents involving hazardous materials, potentially leading to major incidents requiring a multi-agency response.

FMCSA addressed these concerns with a thorough review of the safety records of the 44 APA member companies covered under the exemption. The agency evaluated each carrier’s active USDOT registration, insurance coverage, and compliance with safety regulations.

“FMCSA reviewed its Motor Carrier Management Information System safety records, including inspection and crash reports submitted by state agencies. The motor carriers have ‘satisfactory’ safety ratings … and valid Hazardous Materials Safety Permits. Additionally, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration reviewed its own records and found no adverse data,” the FMCSA clarified in response to the concerns.

By ensuring these measures are in place, FMCSA aims to balance public safety with the logistical needs of organizing one of America’s most cherished holiday celebrations.

Source: Freightwaves

The post FMCSA Eases Work Rules for July 4th Fireworks Carriers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

To address this issue, Nebraska has temporarily suspended maximum driving time restrictions for commercial vehicles delivering gasoline, gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane, and biodiesel within or into the state. These regulations will remain relaxed until May 15, allowing carriers to expedite fuel deliveries.

Neighboring States Feeling the Impact, Too

Kansas is also experiencing fuel shortages and has issued its own emergency declaration, effective until May 13. Like Nebraska, Kansas cited fuel supply challenges across neighboring states. Both states aim to mitigate the crisis by streamlining logistical requirements for fuel transport.

Despite the emergency waivers, carriers and drivers must adhere to specific guidelines, including:

• Prohibiting the operation of a vehicle by drivers who are unwell or fatigued.
• Granting 10 consecutive hours off-duty to drivers who request rest before they resume service.
• Carrying a copy of the emergency declaration during operations as proof of compliance and support.

Notably, the emergency declaration in Nebraska does not activate regulations regarding transportation network company dynamic pricing prohibitions.

Current Fuel Prices Across the Region

The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, released on Monday, May 5, revealed that the national average diesel price stands at $3.497 per gallon. Within the Midwest region, diesel prices averaged $3.432 per gallon, reflecting a modest drop of 2.4 cents compared to the previous week.

On Tuesday, May 6, AAA reported Nebraska’s statewide diesel average at $3.29 per gallon, highlighting marginal disparities between state and regional pricing trends.

Nebraska’s emergency actions showcase efforts to counter fuel shortages and ensure essential transportation continues uninterrupted, providing flexibility to carriers and upholding logistical support during this challenging period.

Source: Land Line

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